Abstract: A carrier assembly for a vehicle having a standard receiver hitch, comprising a receiver bar for connecting the carrier with the receiver hitch, and a plate member depends from and is disposed transversely to the receiver bar. The plate member has a substantially planar facing disposed outwardly from the receiver bar. A retaining member such as a cross-bar or yoke is affixed to the planar facing of said plate member. A generally horizontally disposed platform depends from the support member useful for supporting and transporting a load.

Abstract: A modular, multi-purpose carrying rack which has a number of configurations for carrying a wide variety of objects on a vehicle. The rack is economical, simple to construct, easy to use and can be disassembled and stored in the vehicle trunk. The rack utilized a novel, anti-wobble connector to connect to receiver-type trailer hitches. The rack is comprised of at least one vertical member which can be removably attached to the connector; at least one cross bar which can be slidably attached to the vertical bar; and at least two elongate horizontal members which can be slidably attached to the cross bar(s).

Abstract: A cargo carrier designed to be mounted adjacent to and onto a vehicle by attaching it to the vehicle's trailer hitch having a crossbar and a receiver. The cargo carrier has a substantially S-shaped tongue having a male bracket that couples with the receiver on the trailer hitch, thereby mounting the cargo carrier onto the vehicle. The male bracket is held in the receiver by means of a pin. An elongated frame, having a fixed arm and a swing-out arm which is constructed of essentially parallel beams and connected to said fixed arm by a pivot hinge, is integral with and is supported by said tongue. The fixed arm is reinforced by frame support members connecting said arm with the tongue. Load support brackets are carried on the swing-out arm and serve to mount a cargo holder device thereupon, the cargo holder device being a box with a lid, an open bin, or any other desired device.

Abstract: A carrying apparatus for use with a vehicle having a rearwardly projecting hitch engaging portion and capable of supporting an elongate article such as a golf bag containing a plurality of golf clubs. A substantially horizontally disposed and planar shaped base supports a lower end of the elongate article and includes an upwardly projecting edge extending around a perimeter of the base. An elongate support is secured at a lower end to the base and extends upwardly therefrom so as to terminate at an upper end. A cross member is secured at a location proximate the upper end of the elongate support and includes a first laterally extending support portion and a second opposite and laterally extending support portion for engaging an upper end of the supported elongate article.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly for use in hauling a motorcyle behind a motorcyle which includes a wheel cradle for positioning the front wheel of the motorcyle in front of the hitch. Such arrangement allows for the use of a lighter weight trailer and provides for greater stability as the front wheel is held in-plane with the vehicle during travel.

Abstract: A cargo carrier assembly (or "carrier") is externally carried at the rear of a truck. The carrier comprises a monorail support in combination with a wheeled container specifically adapted to be pivotably loaded onto the monorail by using pivot latches which matingly receive locking pins fixedly secured to the container. The monorail ("M") comprises (i) an elongate rectilinear slider shank connecting the M to the truck, and (ii) a support beam telescopable on the slider shank. Only a portion of the base of the container is either directly supported on the M, or supported on pivot pins secured to the base. Though the container may be secured with only two pivot latches and an attachment latch, it is preferred to use, in addition, a second attachment latch.

Abstract: A holding or carrying device that is mountable to a trailer hitch comprises a support member having a horizontal portion that is removably attachable to the hitch, and a vertical portion that contains a tubular telescoping element. Attached to the upper end of the telescoping element is a carrying or holding element, such as a table, platform, or bracket. In one embodiment, the telescoping element is height-adjustable by means a plurality of opposed pairs of apertures in the telescoping element that are registrable with an opposed pair of apertures in the vertical portion, whereby a locking pin can be received in the opposed pair of apertures in the vertical portion, and a selected one of the opposed aperture pairs in the telescoping element. In another embodiment, a bicycle rack assembly is attached to the upper end of the telescoping element.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier having a tubular base for telescopic interconnection with a receiver type trailer hitch is disclosed. A channel bracket is secured to the base and has upstanding mounting arms straddling a spaced pair of tubular uprights lower end portions which are pivotally connected to the mounting arms. An inverted channel straddles and is pivotally connected to the upright upper portions. A bicycle mounting section is secured to the channel. The section includes mechanism for securing a bicycle to the carrier for transport. The uprights, channel and section are moveable relative to the base between an upright bicycle transport position and a lowered access position. A double latching system releasably retains the carrier in its transport position. A shock absorber is interposed between the base and a first of the uprights to cushion movement from the transport to the access position.

Abstract: A receiver hitch system for all-terrain sport vehicles includes a rigid mast assembly attaching to a two-point receiver hitch at the rear of the vehicle. A lower receiver hitch is attached to a non-suspended axle of the ATV, and an upper receiver hitch attaches to a suspended frame of the ATV, so that the rear suspension cannot operate, and loads on the mast assembly are borne directly by the axles and wheels. Lifting masts with booms, hunting platforms, and cargo boxes may be supported by the mast assembly.

Abstract: Over the years, many times, motorcycle carriers have been affixed to the front or rear portions of four wheeled vehicles in order to transport recreational type motorcycles. My invention not only affixes to the rear or front of most four wheeled vehicles, but will then independently support the motorcycle or all terrain vehicle loaded upon it. All that is required to install the device is a pre-manufactured standard class three hitch receiver installed on a four wheeled vehicle. The outstanding features are: the device can be assembled or stored in a provided container until future use; thus, being portable in the truest sense. In addition, the device can be used as a tow hitch at the same time it is used as a carrier.

Abstract: A vehicle mountable carrier includes a body having an article holder and a mounting tube for both securing the body to a vehicle and receiving a hitch bar. Preferably, the article holder includes a storage compartment and cooperating lid. The storage compartment may also include a cradle for receiving a frame of at least one bicycle. Specifically, a support channel may be provided bridging opposing walls of the storage compartment and cooperating frame receiving notches may be provided in the lid.

Abstract: A bicycle carrier has a body member which is tubular in shape and size to have a telescoped connected fit in a tubular vehicle hitch member. A pivot support is provided at a rearward portion of the body member and pivotally supports an upright bicycle support post. Pivot support for the post is between an upright bicycle loaded position and a rearward tilted bicycle loading and unloading position that allows a tailgate for a rear door of a vehicle to be opened. Cooperating cam and a cam follower is connected between the upright support post and are driven by a turnbuckle assembly to provide a firm compressive contact between the body member and a vehicle hitch member when the bicycle support post is pivoted to its upright position whereby to provide a tight rattle-free support of the upright bicycle support post on the pivot. The cam and cam follower can also be tightened to the extent to provide a theft-proof connection.

Abstract: An articulable, hitch-sleeve-mounted, wobble-resistant, article-carrying rack is movable from an inclined position for carrying articles, to a declined position in which such carried articles may be removed. The rack includes a hitch mount which is insertable into a vehicle's hitch or hitch sleeve and is adapted for engaging the hitch internally thereof for reducing the tendency of the rack to wobble. First and second elongate frame members are pivotally mounted on the hitch mount, and each includes an upper end longitudinally spaced from the hitch mount. The frame members are maintained in a generally parallel relationship with one another. A latch member connects the upper ends of the frame members and locks the frame members in either of the inclined or declined positions. At least one support bar is pivotally mounted on the frame members adjacent the upper ends and extends generally horizontally away therefrom for supporting articles thereon.

Abstract: A cargo and accessory carrier for attachment to a vehicle receiver hitch includes a riser assembly secured to the vehicle, a door assembly pivotally secured to the riser assembly, and a platform assembly pivotally secured to the door assembly for carrying cargo at a desirable elevation above ground level, such that the door assembly can be pivotally rotated in a horizontal plane and a parallel plane while secured to the riser assembly. The platform assembly can be rotated about the door assembly and maintained in a vertical or horizontal position relative to ground, whether or not it carries a load or it is installed on the vehicle. The carrier provides a multipurpose support assembly which can be used as a "stand alone" unit to carry cargo, and which can be used in combination with other accessory carriers such as a cargo chest, bicycle carrier, ski carrier or any number of other accessory-carrying devices.

Abstract: A rack mounting support adapted for use with hitchless vehicles. The mounting support has a mount in the form of a receiving member and a socket member wherein the receiving member is attached onto a vehicle's frame members to minimize reduction of a vehicle's ground clearance. The socket member and frame member are dimensioned to allow the frame member to remain securedly inserted within the socket member and facilitate a person to attach the frame member to the socket member without having to simultaneously support the frame member.

Abstract: A truck bed extender mountable in a receivable trailer hitch has an elongated support bar and a rack. The rack has a horizontal cross bar that is vertically adjustable on the support bar at the end opposite that where the support bar is secured to the receiver trailer hitch.

Abstract: An apparatus for extending a pickup truck bed includes a removable frame that can be connected to the pickup truck bumper or its hitch receiver. The frame includes a longitudinal beam that extends away from the truck bed during use, forming a connection with the receiver. A transverse beam is structurally attached to the distal end of the longitudinal beam and extends about the width of the pickup truck bed. Left and right side wall extension members are mounted respectively on opposite sides of the transverse beams, each side wall extension member being rectangular and having front and rear vertical edges and a lower edge that conforms to the plane of the bed. The frame provides an open area that allows the pickup truck tailgate to be lowered to define an extension of the load carrying surface of the bed. An auxiliary tailgate is pivotally attached to the transverse beam and is movable between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A receiver hitch boat and canoe rack comprised of a right angle extension adapted for adjustable coupling with a receiver hitch on a vehicle. A hollow vertical post telescopically receives the right angle extension for adjustable securement thereto by a nut and bolt. A hollow horizontal post is integral with the hollow vertical post in an orthogonal relationship. The hollow horizontal post has open end portions. A pair of cross bars are telescopically received within the open end portions of the hollow horizontal post for adjustable securement thereto by a nut and bolt. The pair of cross bars have an eye bolt secured thereto.

Abstract: When a van or a sport utility vehicle having a trailer hitch and a spare tire attached to the outside of its tailgate is backing up, collision with a solid object impacts the tire and crumples the tailgate, causing expensive repairs. The backup protection device of this invention is mounted on the trailer hitch and receives the impact, transmitting it to the vehicular frame and protecting the tailgate. This device comprises a transverse tube, a central tube that is longitudinally disposed and fits over the trailer hitch, and a pair of side tubes that are disposed in parallel to the central tube. The central and side tubes are rigidly and perpendicularly attached to the transverse tube. A backup plate that is vertically disposed in use and a step plate that is horizontally disposed in use may also be attached to the transverse tube.

Abstract: A bicycle and ski carrier for attachment to a common trailer type receiver hitch on an automobile. The main member (6) of the carrier contains trays(18) to support bicycles by the top tube of their frame. A ski support (9) holds skis under their rear binding in a vertical position. A hinged, locking lid (13) is used to lock either bicycles or skis against the carrier's main member (6) for security. A horizontal telescoping member (4) which supports the main member (6) allows main member (6) to be raised for additional ground clearance for ski tails and rotate 90 degrees to a position perpendicular to the axis of the automobile.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an automotive vehicle hitch rack and more particularly to a drawbar coupler that provides a connection to a tow hitch on an automotive vehicle. The coupler comprises a drawbar which interfaces with the tow hitch to provide opposed overlapping surfaces, and a tightener which applies force to maintain the opposed overlapping surfaces together. The invention significantly reduces play between the drawbar and the tow hitch.

Abstract: A one man round hay bale lifter and transport device is disclosed for quick assembly and disassembly to a conventional trailer hitch mounted on a pick-up truck. The lifting and transport device includes an anchoring structure and a hay bale lifting and holding structure pivotally mounted on the anchoring structure. The rearward end of the anchoring structure includes a square tube for quick assembly with the square tube of the conventional trailer hitch. A ratchet binder is pivotally mounted on the anchoring structure at one end and on the hay bale lifting structure on the other end. By manually rotating the ratchet handle mounted on a threaded sleeve of the ratchet binder, the lifting structure is elevatable to a maximum angle of about 45.degree. with respect to the anchoring structure. A stop bar engages an edge of the anchoring structure to limit further elevation or lowering of the lifting structure.

Abstract: A device for connecting a winch to a box hitch in a variety of orientations. The winch connector is generally comprised of an elongated length of square, cross-sectional tubular material having a winch end and a hitch connecting end. The hitch connecting end includes a hole formed through each of the connectors four walls. The holes formed through opposite walls being axially aligned. By placing the hitch end of the connector into a conventional box hitch, and passing a pin through the holes formed through the hitch and connector, the connector will be securely attached to the hitch. To reorient the connector, it may be removed from the hitch and rotated 90, 180 or 270 degrees about its longitudinal axis and then reinserted into the hitch. This will place the winch in a different orientation with respect to the truck. The connector may be adaptively formed to fit in either a class 2 or class 3 box hitch.

Abstract: A vehicle cargo carrier for storing and transporting luggage, gear, equipment and the like on the exterior of a vehicle. The carrier is attached to a common trailer hitch and is particularly well suited for use with a mini-van or sport utility vehicle which has a rear opening door or hatch. The carrier is slideably moveable, permitting outward extension, while still being connected to the vehicle, to provide easy access to and unobstructed opening of the vehicle rear door or hatch, and to provide unobstructed access to the vehicle's existing interior cargo area. Subsequently, the carrier is inwardly slidably retracted so that it is firmly disposed in an aerodynamically favorable position proximate the rear of the vehicle. The carrier comprises a connection member which interfaces with the hitch, a frame member which interfaces with the connection member, and a storage box or container member which is connected to the frame member.

Abstract: An apparatus for carrying bicycles on a vehicle includes a trunnion fitted to a receiver or other mount secured to a vehicle. A base extends from the trunnion longitudinally away from the vehicle to carry a post having top and bottom supports extending away for supporting bicycles. One or more trays may extend laterally across the lower support with respect to the base. Each tray may be adapted to support the rear tires of two bicycles. The upper support may be an arm having adjustable blocks for mounting the open (free) ends of the tines of the forks of the bicycles. Each block is slotted to receive and position a skewer passing through a fork. The skewer may be positionable along a length of a block, to adjust to the length of a bicycle. The blocks may be mounted in a different orientation (e.g. upside down) to further adjust for bicycle length. Trays and blocks may be arranged to offset every bicycle from every other bicycle in three dimensions to avoid interference of handlebars and pedals.

Abstract: An improved bracket for mounting a carrier on a vehicle for carrying various articles such as skis and ski poles, bicycles and luggage. The illustrated bracket supports the carrier at the rear of the vehicle. The bracket is firmly and rigidly supports the carrier so as to limit tilting or swaying of the carrier as the vehicle moves. In a preferred form the bracket allows the carrier to be moved out of the way when access to the rear of the vehicle is desired. One form of illustrated carrier, for carrying (1) skis and ski poles and (2) bicycles, includes an elongated upright section that supports holder units for holding those articles. Another form of illustrated carrier, for carrying luggage, simply extends rearwardly and supports a horizontal platform.

Abstract: A hoist which mounts to a trailer hitch drawbar of a vehicle includes a post connected to a tongue. The post includes an angle which defines a boom extending from a central column. The tongue includes a pivot member connected to a securing member which includes holes to allow the hoist to be secured to the trailer hitch drawbar. A brace connected between the boom and central column supports the boom, while a brace connected between the central column and the securing member supports the central column. The boom includes an eye utilized to support a block and tackle or, alternatively, a pulley utilized to support the cable of a winch mounted to the central column.

Abstract: A bike rack apparatus is provided for supporting a bicycle on an automobile, and includes a channel for receiving the wheels of a bicycle and supporting the weight of the bicycle. The channel is supported on the automobile, preferably by a male hitch member sized for receipt in a female hitch member of the automobile, and includes a pair of clamps for stabilizing the apparatus on the automobile. The apparatus also includes a shackle assembly for holding a bicycle in an upright position on the channel and restraining movement of the bicycle relative to the channel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new outboard motor carrier for vehicles for supporting a conventional small marine outboard motor for transport on a rack coupled to a conventional vehicular trailer hitch sleeve. The outboard motor carrier for vehicles comprises an L-shaped support structure having an elongated vertical member with a horizontal member projecting normal the bottom end thereof. The horizontal member is slidably removably engaged with the trailer hitch sleeve. A rectangular wooden plank, simulating a boat transom whereto the motor may be clamped, is fixedly connected crosswise the vertical member at the top end thereof. A lock is provided for securing the motor to the carrier. Upper and lower safety chains are also provided to, respectively, prevent loss of the motor in the event of motor mount failure and prevent loss of the carrier in the event of carrier hitch securement bolt failure. A padlock secures the lower chain to prevent unauthorized removal of the carrier from the hitch.

Abstract: A hitch rack is described which cooperates with a hitch receiver on an automotive vehicle to enable a recreational or sporting article to be carried at the rear or front of a vehicle. The hitch rack includes a foot engagement bar for operating a cinch enabling the article support structure of the rack to be moved between a transportation and an inactive position.

Abstract: A rack is disclosed for mounting on the rear of a car for carrying a wheelchair. The wheelchair has a seat supporting framework that includes two parallel horizontal frame members close to the ground. The rack includes a pair of chair support members for engaging the two horizontal frame members with the chair on the ground and powered lift members for raising the chair to a traveling position above the ground and for lowering the chair downwardly to the ground for removing the chair from the rack thereby eliminating any need for anyone to lift the chair.

Abstract: Bicycle carrier apparatus includes an H-shaped support frame bearing a pair of opposed threaded clamping members for rigidly gripping the bicycle pedal crank arm mounting bolts on opposite ends of the central crank arm shaft. A further support for the front wheel is provided in which the front wheel tire is frictionally engaged in a secure clamping device. A pair of individual bicycle carriers are affixed to a longitudinal support member which attaches to the receiver portion of a standard vehicle-mounted trailer hitch. An additional pair of bicycle carriers in a similar configuration may be connected to the first carrier apparatus by means of a simple connector assembly. A cartop rack is also disclosed as well as a variant which also mounts to a trailer hitch receiver.

Abstract: The rear mounted multi-bicycle steel rack securely locks up to six bicycles for stable, safe and secure transport. The rack mounts into the rear receiver hitch with a simple pin. Up to six bicycles with different tubular frame sizes can be placed on the rack with a securing arm and lock providing stability and security. The hinges provide ease in movement of the arm. The high gloss finish in a variety of colors protects the rack from the weather and road damage. The clear advantages of bicycle rack is the lightweight design, lateral stability, locking feature, adjustment for different bicycle tubular frame sizes and ease of operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tire carrier for an automotive vehicle and, more particularly, to a hitch mounted tire carrier. The invention includes a cantilever construction having the combination of an elongated arm having the tire mount structure, and a bracket for the arm connectable, for example, to a tow hitch of a vehicle. The arm is movable relative to the bracket between the transportation position and in inactive position, and a cinch is provided on the bracket for normally maintaining the arm in the transportation position but releasing the same for movement to the inactive position. The cinch has a lever latch which, in keeping with the invention, is manipulatable of the cinch to an over-center position. A tightener is provided as a protuberance on the lever latch which is mounted for pivoting to a stop position beyond a center position at which it would be generally orthogonal to a bearing surface it engages.

Abstract: A carrier system is provided for attachment to a vehicle having a pair of tubular trailer hitches mounted thereon. The carrier system comprises a pair of spaced, deflectable articulated tubular support assemblies, each having a first open end and a second open end each of the first ends being adapted for telescopic engagement with one of the trailer hitches. A cargo carrier is removably attached and solely supported from the vehicle by the support assemblies, the cargo carrier having a base provided with a pair of guide channels formed thereon. The support assemblies are receivable in the guide channels and the cargo carrier is slidably disposed along and extends over a portion of the support assemblies between the first and second ends.

Abstract: A adjustable bed extender which is attachable to the receiver orifice of a standard receiver hitch is disclosed. The device provides support for loads which extend beyond the bed of a truck or any vehicle having a bed. The device includes a drawbar which fits into the receiver orifice of the hitch already permanently to the vehicle, a support assembly which supports the load, and an adjustable connection between the support assembly and drawbar for adjusting the height of the support assembly for different vehicle models and tailgate configuration.

Abstract: A new and improved winch operated vehicle mounted carrier comprised of an upper rectangular section having a securement bar extending inwardly therefrom. The securement bar is received within a class 3 trailer hitch for securement of the upper rectangular section thereto. An electric winch is secured to the upper rectangular section. The electric winch has a drive cable theresecured. The drive cable has a securement portion extending downwardly therefrom. The invention includes two pairs of arms. Each of the two pairs of arms is pivotally secured to a lower portion of the upper rectangular section. A lower support bracket is pivotally secured to an opposing end of the two pairs of arms. A latch is secured to a middle portion of the lower support bracket. The latch couples with the securement portion of the drive cable of the electric winch. A lower support tray is secured across the lower support bracket. Two spring-loaded catches are secured to an outer portion of the upper rectangular section.

Abstract: A load carrier for supporting bicycles and the like, coextensively obstructing the rear opening of a vehicle such as a van, wagon or sedan, capable of simultaneous trailer hitch operation and shiftable to retract the load from the obstruction position to a retracted clearance position at the safe side of the vehicle.

Abstract: The present invention makes beneficial use of a vehicle's single point box receiver hitch by transferring an underlying frame mount of the box receiver both outward and adjustably upward simultaneously for load transfer at to a load-supporting cross beam in order to provide a two-axis, cantilevered extension for a pickup truck. The extension apparatus when viewed from above is T-shaped and includes two pieces constructed from box iron. One piece is a longitudinal-running box beam welded at an upward cantilever angle to a short stub section. The second piece is T-shaped when viewed from above and it includes a single adjustment telescoping transition beam which serves as the transition from the longitudinal box beam to the load-supporting cross beam that is transversely oriented relative to the longitudinal beam. A second stub is rigidly connected to the cross beam and it is adjustable by being telescoped over the first angled stub.

Abstract: A rack carrier for an automobile having a hitch receiver is described. The rack includes an article support structure to be secured to the hitch for movement between a position for transportation of the article by the vehicle and a position enabling access to such vehicle. The carrier includes an elongated arm that projects upward, which arm has the article support structure at its upper end. A bracket securable to the hitch has a cinch for maintaining the arm in its transportation position. The cinch includes a lever latch having a protuberance which engages a bearing surface, which protuberance is mounted for pivoting to a stop position beyond a center position at which it engages the bearing surface generally orthogonal to it. The construction further includes an arrangement which assures a rigid securance between the rack drawbar and a tow hitch receiver on a vehicle.

Abstract: An improved bracket for mounting a carrier on a vehicle for carrying objects such as skis and ski poles. The illustrated bracket supports the carrier at the rear of the vehicle. The bracket is firmly and rigidly supports the carrier so as to limit tilting or swaying of the carrier as the vehicles moves. In a preferred form the bracket allows the carrier to be moved out of way to the side when access to the rear or the vehicle is desired. The illustrated carrier includes an elongated upright section that supports holder units for holding the skis and poles.

Abstract: An improved article mounting assembly for a vehicle mounted carrier is described. This particular style of vehicle mounted carrier has an upright primary support member with a bottom end adapted for attachment to a square tube trailer hitch on a vehicle and a top end having means to secure articles to the primary support member. The improvement includes a tubular primary upright support member having a top end, a bottom end and an interior bore. A lower mounting member is provided having a first portion and a tubular second portion. The first portion has article receiving depressions. The second portion has having an interior bore that telescopically receives the top end of the primary support member. A stop is provided to limit the relative telescopic movement of the tubular second portion of the lower mounting member and the primary support member. An upper mounting member is provided having a first portion and a second portion.

Abstract: A cargo carrier for a vehicle includes a frame having an elongated front jaw, a U-shaped rear jaw having a first end pivotally attached to one end of the front jaw along a vertical pivot axis. The second end of the rear jaw is releasably secured to the other end of the front jaw so as to enclose a space between the closed jaws. The carrier further includes a hitch tongue for releasably cantilevering the frame to the vehicle. A container for cargo is releasably secured to at least one of the frame jaws and has a base portion which extends into the space between the jaws and an upper portion which protrudes from the jaws in the closed position. The container has at least one catch/holddown mechanism disposed below an outwardly protruding ledge on the base portion.

Abstract: An engineer's vise (16) having a fixed inner member (20) with a stationary jaw (24) and an elongate extension (22) for inserting into and mounting to a trailer receiver (18) attached to a motor vehicle (37), thus providing a vise for use in the field. The vise has a movable outer member (30) and jaw (32) operated by a threaded shaft (34) and turned by a handle (38). The vise can be securely attached to receiver by a pin (53) in one of four positions: upright, inverted, on its right side, on its left side. It can be quickly and easily removed and stored for safe keeping.

Abstract: A scooter holder having a low profile is attached to the trailer hitch of a vehicle. The attachment member is adjustable and invertable so that the scooter holder may be used with vehicles of differing heights. The holder includes a scooter supporting platform that is in a raised and folded configuration when it is not supporting a scooter, and which when raised returns to its folded configuration if no scooter is atop the platform and which remains unfolded when raised with a scooter on the platform. Throwing a switch causes the platform to lower and unfold in a gradual, continuous motion until it reaches a fully unfolded, lowered position where a scooter can be driven onto it. Throwing the switch with a scooter on the platform causes the holder to lift the scooter to a desirable height. The platform pivots about a fulcrum when lifted empty, but the fulcrum is bypassed when the platform is lifted while supporting a scooter.